There was no rear power outlet in the '97's either. All '96 - '98's are part-time 4wd, so what you describe would be a normal feel when on high traction surfaces. That is assuming it drives normally when the 4wd isn't engaged. If the 4wd wasn't engaging, you wouldn't feel the resistance to rolling that you are now, when on high traction surfaces.
What happens with a part-time transfer case, is that when it is shifted into 4wd, the front and rear driveshafts will turn at exactly the same speed. The problem with that on high traction surfaces, is that you will feel some drag or binding in the driveline, as the tires with effectively different rolling diameters roll down the road. This is much more noticeable in turns, as each tire follows a different arc through the turn.
But you can often notice drag or binding in the driveline with a part-time 4wd system on high traction surfaces, while going perfectly straight. The reason is because even with the same size tire, and equal air pressures in the tires, there are slightly different loads on each tire, with the resulting slightly different rolling diameters of each tire. Heaviest to lightest loads on each tire with just the driver usually go as follows; Driver side front, passenger side front, driver side rear, passenger side rear.
That weight distribution can change depending on passengers, things loaded in the rear cargo area, or towing.
People very rarely or more likely never adjust each individual tires air pressure to achieve an equal rolling diameter for each tire. So even on straight roads you will have some slight differences in wheel speed, with the resulting frictional drag in the driveline with part-time 4wd, if the road surface isn't slick enough to allow some tire slippage.
Anyway, I hope that helps explain what's happening.
I feel like a nub. It is my first 4x4
